Haverhill family raise money to fight deadly disease

A family is hosting a Christmas shopping evening at Haverhill Arts Centre to raise awareness of a deadly disease.

When the beloved aunt of Kelly Kennedy-Smith died from pancreatic cancer, Kelly and her family vowed to raise the profile of this type of cancer and help fund more research.

“When my aunt, Jean Nunn, was diagnosed in February, aged 74, she was told it was terminal. She sadly passed away on July 31,” Kelly said.

“By the time people are diagnosed it is often too late. When we contacted the Pancreatic Cancer Research team we discovered the survival rate was just three per cent. There are no tests for this type, no early symptoms and once diagnosis is confirmed the average lifespan is just six months.

“This is just devastaing for the person and their family. My aunt was very active and helped many people in her community in Peterborough, as well as family members. She is a huge loss.”

A Coronation Street storyline sees Hayley Cropper battling the disease. And opera singer Pavarotti and film stars Patrick Swayze and Joan Crawford died from the disease.

The Christmas shopping evening will be held from 5pm - 9.30pm in the arts centre on Friday, November 8.

There will be a performance from the Haverhill Youth Silver Band and stalls to browse for Christmas gifts, handbags, scarves, cakes, jewellery, a large raffle and much more. The bar will be open and there are 40 goodie bags up for grabs and The Gallery is offering photographic portraits.

On Friday, November 22, there will be a Psychic Night with Daniel Pitt at the Chalkstone Community Centre. Doors open at 6.30pm, no entry after 7pm. For advance tickets at £10 call Kelly on 07541 018085 or £12 on the door.

On November 2, Steve Clarke is doing a tandem sky dive and looking for donations. Visit www.justgiving.com/kelly-kennedy-smith